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850-378-2500

6705 Pine Forest Rd - Suite 300
Pensacola, FL  32526
Fax : 850-807-5071

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Boat Insurance

What does Boat Insurance cover?

Most boat policies cover physical damage to the hull, sails, machinery, furnishings, and most other equipment that is normally used on board. Most dangers are covered including vandalism, malicious mischief, and damage which results from collision or sinking.

Insurance needs differ depending on the type, age, or value of the boat or watercraft you own. Your policy will explain in detail what is covered and what is specifically excluded.

What about Liability Coverage for your boat policy?

You are also insured against liability losses. You are covered for damage you may cause to another boat, yacht, personal water craft, sailboat or dock, and for bodily injury or death to another person while operating your vessle.

Under most boat policies, the boat trailer is covered against physical loss or damage from any external cause.

What additional coverage is included on a boat policy?

You may purchase optional coverages, such as:

• Coverage for your personal property
• Coverage for your fishing equipment
• Coverage against injury to you caused by an uninsured boater

What types of boats can we help you insure?

• Bow Rider - Open bow type of boat with seating. They are best suited for use in lakes and inland waterways.
  
  
• Center Consoles - Single decked open hull boats with the operator's console (helm) in the center of the boat. Work great as fishing boats. Most are powered by outboard motors.
  
  
• Cuddy Cabin - A boat that contains a small cabin in the bow..
  
  
• Walk Around - Cross between center console and a cuddy boat. Generally used as fishing boats and they contain a small cabin.
  
  
• Ski Boats - Flat bottom, high torque boats designed to safely tow water skiers. Powered by high-horsepower engines.
  
  
• Pontoon - Relatively inexpensive, flat hulls that sit on pontoons. Commonly referred to as "party boats". Should only be used in calm inland waters.
  
  
• Jet Boats - Propelled by a jet of water ejected from the back of the craft. Come in a variety of sizes.
  
  
• Personal Watercraft (PWC) - A watercraft used for recreational purposes that you sit or stand on. Often referred to as WaveRunner, Jet Ski or Sea Doo which are actually brand names.
  
  
• Sailboats - A boat propelled partially or entirely by sails. Can be used for racing, sport or just cruising.
  
  
• Bass Boats - A small, flat bottom boat used primarily for bass fishing in inland waters. They are often equipped with swivel chairs for easy casting.
  
  
• Commercial Vessels and P&I
  
  
• Private Pleasure Craft from $50,000 to $200,000,000.
  
  
• Cargo Commercial Fishing
  
  
• Charter International Risks

Is my boat covered when it's not in the water?

It's covered if you have physical damage (comprehensive and collision) coverage.  Liability, Uninsured Motorist and Medical Payments coverages only respond when your boat is in the water.

If I am in an accident while towing my boat who pays for the
damages?

If your boat is damaged your boat policy will respond if you have physical damage (comprehensive and collision) coverage on your policy.

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form.Your local GreatFlorida Boat Insurance Agent in Florida will help you find the best deal for you.

Get a Quote Online

About Boat Insurance in West Pensacola, FL

A subtropical climate with almost 1,200 miles of coastline creates the ideal conditions for boat owners in West Pensacola, FL. GreatFlorida Boat Insurance will dissipate your worries so you can relax and have safe fun on the water.

Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance West Pensacola, FL offers customized boat insurance policies to guard against unexpected damages, replacement and liability.  Whether you plan to fish, water ski or enjoy the sunset, we cover many different boats with optional coverage to reflect your lifestyle.

Boat Insurance will give you peace of mind while you are out on the water. GreatFlorida Insurance offers boat owners in West Pensacola a variety of protection from the risks of owning, operating and towing your boat.

GreatFlorida Boat Insurance provides coverage to jet skis, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, ski boats and more. GreatFlorida Insurance carries top notch marine insurance policies to protect your vessel. Contact Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance today and our they will get to work for you with a simple, free quote.

Whether you currently own a boat, yacht, personal water craft, sailboat or are a prospective buyer, Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance West Pensacola, FL can help you find the right Boat Insurance policy at the right price.

GreatFlorida Insurance shops all the major carriers in West Pensacola, to find the best policy and the best rate. Easy, Low-Cost and Worry Free. That's the GreatFlorida Insurance promise.

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

5/8/2019

This year’s legislative session has come to an end. According to the Tampa Bay Times, lawmakers passed 195 bills of the 1,861 bills filed. Some bills were successful and for most of the others- there is always next year. Below are some highlights.

Winners:

Property Insurance Reform-Property insurance reform, commonly known as assignment of benefits (AOB). It will primarily limit attorney’s fees in disputes over assignment of benefits between insurance companies and contractors and authorizes policies that aren’t subject to assignment of benefits.

“After a long battle against insurance abuse, there is a victory,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent auto insurance agency.

The following are the bills provisions according to Insurance Journal.

• Define “assignment agreement” and establishing requirements for the execution, validity, and effect of such an agreement
• Prohibit certain fees and altering policy provisions related to managed repairs in an assignment agreement
• Transfer certain pre-lawsuit duties under the insurance contract to the assignee and shift the burden to the assignee to prove that any failure to carry out such duties has not limited the insurer’s ability to perform under the contract
• Require each insurer to report specified data on claims paid in the prior year under assignment agreements by January 30, 2022, and each year thereafter
• Allow an insurer to make available a policy prohibiting assignment, in whole or in part, under certain conditions
• Revise the state’s one-way attorney fee statute to incorporate an attorney fee structure in determining the fee amount awarded in suits by an assignee against an insurer
• Require service providers to give an insurer and the consumer prior written notice of at least 10 business days before filing suit on a claim.

Texting- Texting while driving will now be considered a primary offense, meaning law enforcement can stop a motorist for just that offense. It is also illegal to use or hold your cell phone while driving through a school zone or construction zone.

Ride Share-Ride share services such as Uber and Lyft can provide non-emergency trips to the hospital for Medicaid patients.

Losers:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)- A repeal to eliminate Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system, where drivers are required to carry personal injury protection coverage to help pay medical bills after accidents. “Each year an attempt is made to eradicate the old no-fault system and move to a bodily-injury coverage requirement, but it cannot get enough support from lawmakers, says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

Genetic Testing – Restricts insurance companies from using genetic testing information in selling policies or setting rates.

Sunscreen- Prohibits local governments from banning the sale of certain sunscreens.

Call GreatFlorida Insurance for all your auto insurance needs. We can craft a policy to suit your needs. Contact us today.

 

 

The post Winners and Losers from the 2019 Florida Legislative Session appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

4/17/2019

Over the weekend, 13 people were rescued after a pontoon boat capsized off the coast of Anclote Key. Thankfully, everyone was all right.

Capsizing happens when a boat turns on its side or completely over in the water. “It can happen to anyone on the water, even the most experienced boaters,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance agency.

While it is more common among smaller vessels, even large ones can flip. If the conditions are right, any boat can capsize.

It is best to be safe and prepared before going out on the water. Below are some tips to follow if you find yourself in the water unexpectedly.

Drowning is the biggest concern. If you do not have on a life vest, look for flotation objects such as seat cushions and coolers. Realworldsurvior.com even recommends stuffing empty plastic bottles inside your shirt. This will help you stay afloat, which conserves energy.

Always stay with the boat. “You are much easier to see with a boat,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

Boating magazine says, to retrieve as many supplies as possible, such as flares and extra flotation devices. Find anything that floats and tether it to the boat to create a bigger target or release it into the water to create a debris field, which also helps spotters.

A good practice before you head out onto the water, tell at least one person on shore where you are going and when you plan to return. They can alert the authorities if you have not returned around your designated time.

GreatFlorida Insurance offers boat insurance on a wide variety of boats from yachts, to Jet Skis. Additional coverage is available for fishing equipment and injury caused by an uninsured boater. Call 888-478-7801 or go online to www.greatflorida.com for a free quote. A local insurance agent will help you find affordable boat insurance to suit your needs.

The post Surviving a Capsized Boat appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

3/27/2019

“Towing a boat may seem simple but it requires more than getting a trailer and hitch,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent boat insurance agency.

Improper towing can lead to tipping, unattached cargo and cause serious damage to suspension and braking systems as well as strain to your engine and transmission.

Make sure to avoid common boat towing mistakes before hitting the road. Below are tips from goboatingflorida.com.

Disconnected brake lights

Always check the electrical connector to make sure your brake lights, taillights and turn signals are all working. Have someone behind the boat while you tap the brakes and use turn signals to make sure they are working. Keep an extra trailer light bulb in your vehicle in case the light goes out. Keeping the electrical wires taut at the right length will stop them from dragging on the ground and disconnecting during turns.

Forgetting about what’s in tow

No matter how strong your tow vehicle is, it will be less responsive once a trailer is behind it. You won’t be able to accelerate, turn or brake as fast, so be sure to look up the road and give yourself extra time and space to change lanes or slow down.

“It’s a good idea to take a practice run before you hit the road,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

Ignoring your vehicles tow specs

Before you plan a trip, it’s crucial to know how much your vehicle is rated to tow. Don’t forget it isn’t just about how much your boat weighs, it also includes how much gear and fuel you have inside the boat. Even if you’ve checked the weight limit, always keep an eye on your tire pressure and temperature gauge. Installing a weight distribution bar system can help smooth out the ride and properly tow up to your vehicle’s max capacity. It’s natural to assume that bigger is better but check your tongue weight before purchasing the bars. When you’ve set this up properly the load bars will be parallel with the frame of the trailer. If you notice excessive bouncing between your vehicle and trailer, your setup may be incorrect.

Using the wrong size ball hitch

It’s important to use the properly rated hitch ball for your towing system. Boat supply store, West Marine, explains, “The coupler mounts and locks on top of the hitch ball and articulates around the hitch ball. Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1 7/8″, 2″, 2 5/16″ and infrequently, 3″. Lighter trailers generally use smaller hitch balls. The diameter of hitch balls is fairly standard, but shank diameters and the hitch ball weight ratings may differ. The rating of the hitch ball is just as important as the receiver hitch rating.”

Failing to secure gear

Make sure to secure fishing and ski equipment, life vests, seat cushions and coolers before heading out. Fasten down anything vulnerable to blowing out of your boat while traveling down the road.

Contact GreatFlorida Insurance today to get a quote for boat insurance today. Our offices are located throughout Florida for your convenience.

The post Common Boat Towing Errors appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

3/20/2019

Maintaining your car can require a lot of time and money. “Regular maintenance of your car can save you bigger car problems in the future” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s biggest independent car insurance agency.

In fact, AAA reports that most roadside trouble is a result of neglect from car owners failing to perform basic maintenance tasks. While some jobs are better left to the professionals, listed below are some simple and affordable tasks you can handle on your own.

Jump start your car

It can happen when you are on your way out, your battery is drained because you left on the lights. Simply jumping your car can get you back on the road.  It’s quick and easy. All you need is another vehicle and jumper cables. To start, turn off the engine on both cars. Grab jumper cables. Connect the positive (red) clamps to the positive terminal, one on each car battery. Throughout this process, do not let the jumper leads come into contact. Attach one negative (black) clamp to the negative terminal of the working car. Attach the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on your car that isn’t near the battery. Start the engine of the working car and wait five minutes. Then start your car. Do not turn off your engine.

Replace windshield wiper blades

Wipers should be replaced every six to eight months. You can pick them up at an auto parts store, online or a big box store. The store should have a manual telling you the type of wipers you need based on your car model and make. It is as easy as sliding them off and on, directions are included.

Checking car fluids

Fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, wiper fluid and radiator coolant are essential to your vehicle’s function. Consult your owner’s manual to know how often to check your fluids. Park your car on a flat level surface and set the parking brake. Remember, always allow time for the engine to cool off before opening the hood. Many fluid levels can be checked using the dipstick included or checking the fluid reservoir.

Check tire pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure gives your tires greater longevity, quicker steering response, a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency. Tiremaker, Bridgestone has the following recommendations for checking your tires. Gather the following items, a tire pressure gauge and air compressor. You can use an air compressor found at most gas stations. Check your car manual to find the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure). Check the tire pressure with your gauge. You can do that by removing the valve cap from your tire. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sounds disappears, and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. A digital gauge will show you a reading on the screen. After checking each tire, fill to the correct PSI and repeat every month.

“For peace of mind, GreatFlorida Insurance can always sign you up for Emergency Roadside Service with your car insurance,” says Ellsworth Buck.

The post DIY Car Maintenance appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

3/13/2019

Recently in Pasco County, some inmates helped rescue a baby locked inside a vehicle. The parents of the child accidentally locked her in the car, leaving their keys on the front seat. A Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Inmate supervisor and five low-risk offenders repairing a parking lot meridian nearby offered to help. With a coat hanger and a special, “skill set” the inmates were able to open the door and retrieve the child.

“Thankfully the parents realized immediately the baby was in the car,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent car insurance agency.

While it seems unfathomable, people leave their children behind in the car several times a year. In 2018, over 50 children died in hot cars according to safety advocacy website, Kidsandcars.org.

The website highlights University of South Florida Psychology Professor, David Diamond’s work on why people forget and leave a child behind in a car. He explains it has to do with the complex functions of the brain. He states that the problem is the failure of prospective memory, the process by which the brain remembers to do something in the future. Professor Diamond says, “The brain memory systems that fail when people forget children in cars are the same as those systems that cause us to forget to shut off the headlights when we arrive at a destination.”

Several brain processes are involved with leaving a child in the car. Many factors can disrupt these processes such as stress, interruptions, multitasking, and sleep deprivation. Also, Professor Diamond points out, the lack of visual or verbal reminders increase the chance of a child being left in the car.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-crash-related fatalities among children. When a child is left in a hot car, their temperature can rise quickly.

“Children suffer heatstroke even if they are left in the car for a few minutes,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent car insurance agency.

Children are vulnerable to heatstroke. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the following are some facts about kids and heatstroke.

Kids aren’t built for heat: A child’s body temperatures rises 3-5 times faster than an adult.

Every minute counts: The temperature of a car can climb 20 degrees in 20 minutes.

It doesn’t have to be hot: Heatstroke can occur in the shade, with the windows down, and even at temperatures as low as 57 degrees.

The post Children Left in Cars appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

3/6/2019

You are in pain. You reach for some pain-reliever only to notice it’s expired. Do you still take it?

“It is a good idea to conduct an annual inventory of your medication,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent health insurance agency.

Since 1979, the U.S. Drug and Food Administration (FDA) has required an expiration date on all over-the-counter medication.

According to the FDA, “Drug expiration dates reflect the time period during which the product is known to remain stable, which means it retains its strength, quality, and purity when it is stored according to its labeled storage conditions.”

However, the FDA conducted a study finding 90% of more than 100 drugs, prescription and OTC were good to use even 15 years after the expiration date. While taking medication past the expiration date, cannot guarantee full potency, most of the effectiveness is retained.

Proper storage can help medication can retain its strength. Placing drugs in a cool, dry environment such as the refrigerator, will extend its shelf life. If left in a hot environment, such as your car, some drugs degrade rapidly.

Consensus among doctors is, expiration dates are very conservative to make sure you get your money’s worth. But, don’t be in a hurry to ditch your expired medication, save yourself some money. Tablet medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) can remain effective for years after being opened.

“While most meds are fine to use after their expiration date, that doesn’t mean they all are,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent health insurance agency.

The safety of expired meds should be considered. The FDA says of expired medication, “It also may yield toxic compounds, causing consumers to experience unintended side effects.”

Liquid medications deteriorate faster. According to Harvard Medical School you should avoid using the following medications after their expiration date.

• Tetracycline (this antibiotic loses its effectiveness after expiration, though scientists are still researching this)
• Nitroglycerin (taken as heart medication)
• Insulin
• Liquid antibiotics

GreatFlorida Insurance is committed to helping Floridians stay healthy. Our experienced agents can offer you and your family quality health insurance policies to fit your needs while staying within your budget. Call us at 888-478-7801 or go online to www.greatflorida.com for a free quote today.

 

The post What You Should Know About Expired Medication appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

2/27/2019

Longing for an adventure- to get away from the grind? A place with great views, all within your budget. It might be closer than you think.

The RV Industry Association(RVIA) saw record sales for 2017.  More than 10.5 million households own at least one RV. In fact, half of all new sales were to Americans 45 and under.

“This alters the profile of RV travelers being older, retired couples,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s biggest independent RV insurance agency.

The appeal of traveling in an RV includes, the convenience of traveling with kids and pets, unplugging, the outdoors and affordability. Do not think you have to surrender creature comforts because you are camping. RV’s come equipped with satellite TV, hardwood floors, a dishwasher,  a washer and dryer, even a fireplace.

Full-time RV living

Living in an RV is not everyone’s idea of an epic adventure. However, a growing number of Americans are ditching their mortgages for life on the open road. “It might seem crazy to trade your home for an RV but many find it inspiring,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent RV insurance provider.

RVIA reports a million Americans live full-time in RVs. Some RVers choose this lifestyle for financial reasons. However, many are looking for a change. They give reasons that range from spending more time together as a family, or wanting a more simplistic way of living, while they all want to explore the country. Going from place to place and living on the road seems isolating. But many report forming a network of friends within the RV community.

So, how do these  constant travelers make money? Many full-time RVers have jobs that allow them to work from the road. Some are living off their retirement savings and Social Security. The Washington Post reports a variety of options to fund  travels by cleaning campsites, harvesting on farms or vineyards, or filling in as security guards. Also, people find work through word of mouth, on Workapmer News or Facebook groups such as Workampers. Amazon and J.C. Penny are among the companies with programs specifically designed to recruit RVers to help at warehouses during peak holiday season.

If you decide to join the millions who own ad RV, contact GreatFlorida Insurance  for auto insurance and RV insurance.

 

The post RV Life appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.